suspension would really help. You might want to review what I put on my tips page about riding "light" and using your body as a spring.. be sure you are getting out of the saddle.
Where exactly is this trail? I am a "Danville Girl" MV'77 and that is some gorgeous country, especailly this time of year. Mtn bikes had barely been invented when I last lived down there. My hubby used to bike all over Briones without susupnesion on a first generation m-bike.
penny
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM