06/02/2026
I use mannequins throughout my courses to add realism to the trail scenarios. We've had backpackers, bikers, campers, hunters, and even a Halloween headless horseman. To some folks, my employees are kinda creepy, but geez, they are cheap labor!
At season's end, many of the obstacles go in the barn for storage. The mannequins are sturdy to a point, but often their arms and legs fall off when we're moving them. Such was the case for Ken, the bike guy.
When I took him to the field for set-up yesterday, his two arms and one leg had fallen off. He even lost his head! Poor Ken, the bike guy.
He was still wearing his bike shirt and shorts outfit from last year. Love the stretchy material that bikers use – it's so easy to pull over non-moving limbs. I struggled to reattach the missing leg; this particular joint is the toughest to line up the sockets. First, I tried stretching the shorts upward, but there wasn't enough wiggle room. I pulled the shorts down to the knees. No matter how I adjusted that one frustrating leg, the joint wasn't connecting. The shorts slipped off. I'm moving a solid man's leg at different angles and in different positions. A few swear words were inserted during the operation. It helps, you know.
Then, finally, the joint/stars aligned. The click of SUCCESS!
As I'm leaning over Ken there in the grass, the warm sun enhancing the sweat on my brow from this endeavor, I suddenly realize my compromised position. I have a “man” on his back. He's half-naked. The bottom half.
Whew, my two afternoon riders were nowhere in sight. My innocent “obstacle maintenance” excuse may have had them laughing out of their saddles.
Talk about getting caught with your pants down, Ken!
![Hungry, hungry [fake] sharks are circling the Buffet Trail!It's my subtle suggestion to prevent shortcuts 😁](https://img4.voofla.com/796/132/1044145717961328.jpg)
