Good advice, Irulan. At one point on today's trail I told me husband "I think I'm having fun." I meant it more or less, but the primary emotion is abject fear. It's hard for me to loosen up out there. I'm trying though, and I do have some weeeee! moments, but it's just very contrary to my overly analytical lawyer mind. I can't even say that I'm over thinking it; it's more that I'm over worrying it.

Catrin, as far as getting out of the saddle on that descent, I'm not sure why Lindsay had you seated. It made a HUGE difference today. I rode my brakes, too, trust me, but I felt totally in control. It was actually kind fun, and it gave me some condidence for Limekiln. Of course, you gotta come to these things in your own time and way. I get really frustrated with Brian when he doesn't let me just work it out.

Next time I'm out, I'd like to work on a few rocky areas. That's my current OMG what do I do? issue. Brian says I gotta stop the urge to brake so much over them and let momentum be my friend.