Thanks for all of the encouragement.

Purchased shin/knee coverings - and I must say - although they are awkward, they protected my already cut and bruised legs.

Strange thing - I am not afriad at all. It is just that recovering from the bumps and bruises takes a bit longer...

I have been riding intermediate/advanced trails with friends that have been riding much longer than I have and have kept up for the most part.

Next adventure: a beginner race on 1/18

There I will be - pads and all.

Thanks again for all of the encouragement....