Just want to share that I road my first downhill a couple of weeks ago! My BF and friends went to Bromont, Quebec for a day of down-hillin'. What a great time. I rented a Norco Drop, my poor little hardtail stayed locked to the roof rack, suited up in my body armour, and flew down the hill. Crashed a few times, but nothing serious, and was pretty bruised up for a few days... some are still lingering. Plenty of technical stuff, and alot of speed, really taught me that speed is the best friend of anyone riding, you really can just fly over things (not just handle bars..ha ha!)
Also wanted to say that chicks that do this professionally amaze me, and really deserve tons of recognition for it. I did about 5 runs and could barely lift my arms, or my bike, or my head at that....any one that can lug a heavy bike around like that for a full day...you rock!!