The scene: A new eco-adventure attraction, Bootleg Canyon Flightlines. Cable strung over hills in Boulder City. Foolish reporter in a harness, preparing to fly down a vertical drop of 1,000 feet at 40 mph, without a helmet.

Preflight thoughts: It’s beautiful up here—eco-tourism rocks! Hmm. Hmm. If I hit that scenic, giant rock, my teeth will shatter. My skull will be crushed. Block with my elbows? Tuck and roll? Uh-oh.