It is odd on a road ride. I know a lot of mountain bikers who were them on the trails around here. We don't have downhill courses but tons of rocks and those can bruise pretty dang bad. I know several mountain bikers riding with ribs still healing from crashes.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan