OK...OK....
I already posted my extremely lopsided version of this debate. Ken Ingham had to go and talk about the "other" contact sports. Basketball took the ligaments out of both of my ankles...twice on the right. Football tore up the cartilage and bursa in my right knee. Heliarc welding wasted my right elbow. Car wreck totalled my neck and shoulders for a couple years. Skateboard tore off my toenail! The list goes on.

Two more Bailey boys also enjoy this sport, and are much younger than my youthful self.

Josh: Torn ACL in left knee...Hare Scramble.
Broken wrist (navicular)...MX (National)

Jason: Broken arm Hare Scramble...(Goertz)
Radial Fracture of Tibia...MX (local)
Broken Arm...Wagon incident...Granny's house.

So, do we give up basketball, wagons and Granny's house? Hell no. But we respect all of them. Most of my bike injuries came while pushing myself, possibly beyond my limits.

I don't jump as far as some, and further than others. I go faster through the trees than some, and slower than others. I try to go my own pace, and usually suffer when I don't. I think that's the key. Do what's comfortable, get some proper instructions, wear all your gear, and have fun.

And if you go to the driving range, stay away from the yellow rope!