Ths Group is now Open ......

I guess it's what your happy with. For me it was just a way of getting around for a long time. I don't think I progressed for the last ten years, but then something changed, mainly when the bike stopped being a mode of transport and became an ADREANALIN PUMP. (First time I rode Cannock chase I was sick twice and wiped out three times. but it still gets 7/10 for killer thrills) The stagnation will eventually set in if you ride solo as I did. Getting off the roads was a big change too. Only through teaming up with friends (and taking on projects like making movies) do you progress and push and THEN find out how little you really can handle! I work on my fitness and skills as often as i can but if i dont have a push i just polish skills i'm good at. BOTTOM line is we are all novices since we were not born with wheels. No matter how many times you get in the saddle, forget that and the trail will punish you.

Mat - would add a pair of padded shorts to Dan's list of essentials - you don't want your riding to literally become a pain in the ass.