Oh, I can most definitely sympathize - I bruise incredibly easily, always have. Doesn't help matters that I'm a klutz. My newest collection of bruises are right smack dab in the front of my thighs, where once in a while I make contact with the levers of the bar-end shifters on my road bike. Don't ask me how I manage that, told you I'm a klutz.

I can only imagine the magnifient collection of bruises I would develop if I took up mountain biking

I wish I could give you some advice on how to prevent your bruises, but perhaps time & experience will help.

All the best, - Jo.