Sympathize whole-heartedly. I've only been riding mountain for about three months ... took a pretty hard fall a month ago ... did the stupid thing going too fast downhill and grabbed the brakes. Next thing I know, my partner is kneeling over me asking me if I knew my name and my birthday (which I didn't remember at first! Pretty odd feeling! Mild concussion and an ambulance ride to the hospital). I went out for the first time last week and walked every downhill! But my goal was to get on my bike. If you are on a trail marked "expert," you're already a superstar in my book. As long we're out there trying a little bit more every time and most of all enjoying the ride -- that's the key!