wow, good arguments all around! neo, i think i actually sold you your boots at cycle gear, good luck!! as for the mx vs. hs debate, im not to sure how one should go about that. the results show for themselves that im guessing people are getting injured more on mx tracks, BUT, the question is how do you feel about it? myself, i feel waaay safer on an mx track than i do in the woods (yet im out now with compressed vertebre and broken ribs, from an mx track). almost all of my injuries have been from on an mx track, but i have to ask myself, if its on an mx track, but its part of the hs course, does that count for both, or do i have to pick if i got hurt on mx or hs? ne hoo, i think every hs racer will agree that riding mx enhances your skills in the woods (dont belive me ask mike kiedrowski). its all in what you push yourself to do, if you want to blast through the trees in 5th gear wfo, you will probably get hurt. if you want to blast over a huge jump 2nd gear wfo, you will probably get hurt. its all about judgement. good luck, and most of all have fun!!!!
p.s. i think i know the jump mr darnell was talking about. its big. uphill triples are not to be fooled around with...especially that one. oh yeah and thanks for all your help mr darnell, dr. santos is awesome!!!!