My belated 2p: I started riding with mates in local woods about 5 years ago. Joined a club to ride with others and check fitness/skills against others. Did OTC course after ski instructor training to try and get summer/winter work sorted. Worked in Alps. Learned that compared to many club riders I am a good rider compared to ex or current DH racers I am not. Skills training is a damn good way to go if you aren't 16 and bounce when you crash. As for all the challenge/push yourself stuff - hell yeah fast an furious - I dropped down toward Ladybower from the top of some hill - cold air rushing past, I could feel my eyes as wide open as they go to read the terrain in the failing light, little bunny hops to clear small obstacles, manual a stream, wall ride a bank to avoid some lose rocks jumps down som erocks come to a halt at the gate whooping from the rush. Had I come off at a couple of points I could certainly have kissed my winter kiss season good byebut if I rode it slower I'd have beenvery disappointed in myself. Want to get back up there to do it again! Faster! | 
Paul C
