It's the energy-sucking part about sand that gets me. It always feels like I'm riding through a vat of pudding.

I haven't minded roots on the trails that I normally ride. I'd be surprised if the roots at Buffalo Creek are much different, but I've been surprised before.

"Steep", straight, downhills don't bother me too much but I guess "steep" is relative. Really steep uphills make me more nervous than downhills.

I've been known to cheerfully walk trail sections that make me nervous. I just don't like holding up other people that I'm riding with if/when I walk.