@nerdgirl - Hi! I have done a little MTB riding in the IE, when out there we were more into our Dirt Bikes. I have not gone riding up in Mammoth because I can't tear myself away from the fishing. We do not have a good fishing hole here in OC so I take full advantage when I am up there, but the hub and I vowed to MTB next time we are there. As far as trails here in OC, I frequent the Aliso/Wood Canyon (Top of the World) trials a lot mainly because they are in my backyard and there are so many of them. Crystal Cove is great for me because I love the ocean breeze, but $15 just to park my truck in the dirt is a joke. Our riding styles sound a little different, I am still a bit of a newbie (or as the hub says "guppy fish") and I have to admit *insert hand raising here* I am the "less brave person discovering the sport" My hub is the serious rider and he has gotten me into it. He has done rides that went way into the back country where he spent the night out there just on what he could carry on his back, which translates to eating a few power bars and sleeping in the dirt. I hope to get up to that level someday. I hope to see you on the trail someday, you sound like a cool chick!