Vex,

I love our enthusiam, I just started riding in April and am really enjoying it. My 2 "as old as me" mentors have been patient, kind, and very encouraging, I think that is very helpful.

My sister has been riding for 10+ years (Orange County, CA) and she is excited I've started. I was so excited when I met my 2 mentor friends on local online forum and telling my sister all about how great they've been. Sister says, "yeah, we have people in our group that help out the newbies too .... but I'm not one of them!" Sister cuff upside the head ... thanks alot!! Anyway, I won't let my sister rain on my trails!

I also wanted to pass on to you and the other PNW folks, I recently finished a great book written by Earl Emerson. Seattle based firefighter who writes great action books. Primal Threat is about a group of mountain bikers who ride in the Cascades and run into some problems with group of ornary rich kids. It's an exciting, intense book and I recommend adding it to your reading list when you need something to read. I'm sure the locals will recognize the areas and of course know the mtb technical things. Very cool!

PJ