SWEET!!!
nice pics, ladies!
makes me want a digital camera (i'm still using film . . . . ah, nostalgia!)
ok, so a few things to add:
first, yep, it is all perception.
the danger PERCEIVED is often different from the ACTUAL danger.
take driving and flying for instance; people are generally more afraid of flying because it is perceived to be more dangerous (or at least can produce catastrophic crash results),
while people feel so safe in their vehicles, that they often perform VERY dangerous driving manuvers (like tailgating) without ANY THOUGHT about the danger they are putting themselves into!!!!
the same analogy can be used to compare skiing, biking, etc.
also, with road vs. mtn -- both are wicked! if you're having a great time, that's all that matters!
but it's also good to expand those horizons and try trails (if you usually ride road) and try pavement (for us trailriders).
i think i'll even try clipless pedals this yr. (thanks, altagirl for your enthusiasm!) 'cause even though they freak me out, i've always been curious . . .
pedal power!
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
you're NEVER too old (or too girly, for that matter :p ) to try something new!
last yr. i was huffing and wheezing up a trail (i thought i was gonna die!) and this couple in their late 50's/early 60's PASSES me!!!
the smiling woman tells me that they're going to ride the same trail i was heading to and they're taking a friend up for his first ever ride (a 20something guy, lagging behind them)!!!
and then she proceeds to kick my butt spinning up the trail like nobody's bussiness.
wow!
these people are almost 3 times my age and they ROCK! :D
oh, yes, about skirts . . .
i like to ride in mine; it covers my raw spandex bike shorts, and provides cool ventilation on hot rides!!!