I'm sorry that your back gave you problems all summer, Solo. I've only had bad back pain for 2 weeks out of my life and that was PLENTY. I can't imagine living with chronic back pain.

Yes, I broke my ankle last Sept. It seems as if Sept is turning into my annual injury month. Next year I'm hoping to bump it down to the level of a broken fingernail.

And yes, "the life of a mountain biker". I tell people who wonder why I still ride after breaking bones that acing an obstacle on my bike feels so much better than an injury feels bad.