There's is that little joke about not looking at the rock... don't look at the rock, don't look at the rock... darn I looked at the... WHAM down.

One of the biggest difference between road and MTB for me is the concentration level. Sometimes I just need to get out on the road so I can relax (to a degree) and zen-out. While MTB I'm alert all the time thinking about my pedaling, breathing, my line etc.

Living in So Cal we deal with sand and silt, well you have no choice! I equate it to skiing, allow the bike to ride through, never correct or turn the wheel (just like skiis in heavy snow)! Just Trust me on that one! Once on a line stay in that line. Your gearing should be low enough you can spin through the sand. If worried about speed, brake before the sand pit, not during or a header you will be taking!

I've always been a roadie but these last two years I find myself out on trails more often. I've really gotten the bug!