I had a bi-lateral hernia several years ago and was biking the whole time. I didn't even know I had them until an annual physical. The doctor cautioned about the need to get it fixed so I didn't end up with a strangulated hernia as mentioned by Lazlo above. I got it repaired right away and they did the surgery laprascopically so only had 3 small, 3/4 inch incisions–one in the center and one on each side. I went home a couple hours after waking up from surgery and was back on the bike (being a little careful at first) about 6 days later. The doctor told me to go ahead and ride whenever I could do so without undue pain. Really was pretty simple and the recovery much easier than I had expected. A friend had one done the old, open surgery method and he was off riding for about 4-5 weeks.

I've lived in a house backed up to a large substation (128KV line output) for 15 years and haven't died so far–although my wife says I am getting steadily weirder over the years—but I've always blamed that on the Jack Daniels.
Seriously, my brother is an elec. engineer who deals in power transmission and he says nothing to worry about. Of course his wife says he is getting weirder as well.
Really enjoy the good-natured humor on this site, even on serious subjects.

I haven't tried the Small Block 8, but was thinking of getting a pair as back up and to use when it gets REALLY dry here—in about the next 2 weeks. Going to take a trip to Fruita and ride the Kokopelli trail to Moab, then do the White Rim trail, so about 240 miles of riding ahead and all pretty dry/desert conditions.

I used the Vertical Pros for a couple of years and really liked them
Have a couple friends who tried the Mountain Kings and thought they were a bit unpredictable

I used to do the occasional ride without a helmet, but a couple years ago came across an accident where a teenager was riding without a helmet on relatively easy/flat trail. Going around a sharp U-turn at slow speed, she fell inwards and impaled her upper left skull on a rock that was embedded alongside the trail. When I got there, they had her on a stretcher, with a bloody bandage the size of half a soccer ball on her head. The paramedic said she would be lucky if she didn't have permanent damage as the rock had penetrated about 1/2 inch through her skull. Got my attention—have never ridden without a helmet since.

FOX EFX jerseys are loose fitting, VERY lightweight, keep you cool. Not cheap, but over the years, I have found their jerseys to last a long time. I don't know what kind of tax/shipping issues you would have for the UK, but I would imagine Fox deals worldwide. See them at: http://shop.foxracing.com/ecomm/AutoForward.do?forward=home.pagedef#aforward=asyn&proId=20496&cid=146&cname=Jerseys&proNumber=23129&imgName=23129313F.jpg

Don't know you can get Zyrtec there in the UK, but probably so. It was formerly only available by prescription, but now available over the counter here in the US. I have really bad allergies and it is one product that has worked for me. Also have good luck with Astelin nasal spray.

I have to admit it is nice to sit back for a change and be an observer to your politics in the UK instead of listening to our 500 self-serving (i.e. their biggest goal is to get re-elected)loons in Washington. Politics really seems to be pretty much the same game everywhere there is any semblance of a democracy in place. Have to say no matter how frustrated we all get, it beats a lot of the alternatives that are out there.

Here is a website that has White Trail info and another link on the site that has videos of a bunch of trails in the southwest–ranging from easy to the insane. http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/whiterim.htm

Another thought is the north rim of the Grand Canyon. There is a bike trail running along the rim that offers spectacular scenery/views of the canyon. I haven't ridden it, but did hike along a couple miles and the part I was on was sort of rolling, but not technical.
Ampthill is right about anything very flat/level around Moab will have motorized vehicles on it. White Rim trail is spectacular, with some flat/level areas, but also climbs/descents and some spots of really loose sand. Renting a 4-wheel drive and doing the entire trail (about 100 miles), camping along the way would afford opportunity for her to get riding in on the easier parts. One difficulty is that in order to camp, one has to make reservations as camping spots are limited (at least reservations were required 3 years ago). It can be brutally hot in the peak of summer, but during the monsoon season (July-August primarily), you can count on thunderstorms many afternoons that really cool it off. The views from the trail are really beyond description. Only other caution is that even with a 4-wheel drive, there are a few dicey spots if you aren't used to that kind of terrain.
Local Moab bike shops can really help direct you to trails. There was trail (don't remember which) that my wife and I took a shuttle bus from a bike shop about 15 miles out and then rode back on a long, winding downhill forest service road that only had one climb (maybe a mile long, but gradual) towards the end before dumping out in to the valley again. Really great ride and always lots of bikes along the way.

For what it's worth from the US, I think I would have to say Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth (I) when considering the global impact in their times. From the arts/science I would say Shakespeare and Isaac Newton

When I talk of redistribution of wealth, I mean the government taking our hard-earned cash and giving it to the lazy-minded who don't/won't work. Sharing it with deserving people in the country or out of the country is a different story.

I do very much give a rats a$$ about most of my fellow Americans (and I do contribute to charity on an ongoing basis), but the ones who don't/won't work and want a hand-out—and a government that panders to them to get votes—-not so much!!

When I mentioned charitable giving I was referring to individual citizens giving–we aren't reluctant to open our wallets–however when the government launches into wealth distribution, it's time to vote their sorry a$$e$ out of office.

Doubt the US will ever be reticent to maintain a strong military. It's an unfortunate fact in this world it's needed. Right or wrong, the US military has pulled a lot of chestnuts out of the fire around the world over the last 75 years–at untold cost in dollars and probably 300,000+ military who died doing so. We have made some mistakes too, but don't think our allies can say we don't step up to the plate when necessary.

One aspect of the new initiative is the prohibiting insurance companies from turning down pre-existing conditions and cancelling coverage when someone becomes ill/disabled–most in the US agree with that as a needed change–but as I said earlier, their totally ignoring the needed tort reform is unbelievably stupid. My wife is in healthcare and sees the impact every day. People here believe major change is needed–it's more the way it was done that has people up in arms.

I don't think there is any question that the US is one of the most charitable countries in the world—and there are certainly people in every country, like Downs syndrome people, who will need help and should get it—- but the majority of people in this country DON'T want government getting their hands into every aspect of our lives. They couldn't even manage the Cash for Clunkers program effectively, what the hell will they do with this health-care initiative. There are too many people here with the "you owe us" mentality who are unwilling to work, choosing instead to stay on the welfare dole and have babies (because it brings more in from welfare)—we continually see people saying they can't afford insurance, or their house payment or their car payment, but they sure can afford $200 sneakers, high-dollar clothes, fancy car, plasma TV, drugs, etc. During the last election, when Obama won, there was a woman on the street, declaring to a TV reporter that her worries were over and she didn't have to worry about making her house or car payment any longer. Am I supposed to work my butt off so I can pay it for her???? Don't have much sympathy for the lot.

As an aside, this is a pretty lively, off-bike topic–gets people to thinking.

Really interesting to see how you in the UK perceive our healthcare and there are lots of interesting and both correct & incorrect perceptions. It really is a very convoluted, complex issue. I think a majority of people here think the system needed overhaul, it's just the way it has been done and the massive amount of debt incurred in doing so.
One thing they could have done that would have made a HUGE difference in medical costs here is to enact real tort reform to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits for malpractice. However, the Trial Lawyers have many in the Democratic party in their pockets and will spend any amount lobbying to avoid any realistic tort reform, since they make untold millions handling the frivolous lawsuits.
Another reason so many people were against it is that no-one, even most members of Congress still don't know exactly what is in the bill and what the under-the-table deals done to ensure votes (all adding billions to the debt). The president campaigned long and hard on making his administration transparent and proclaimed several times that any major legislation passed would be available for the public to review for 5 days before signing–then turned around and signed the bill in 36 hours when even many in Congress didn't know what it contained. Probably a big factor in his poll numbers dropping steadily to below 50% approval.

I have had 3 bouts with stones over the past 20 years and it is truly an agonizing experience. The pain generally won't subside until the stone passes and when it does, it makes you wonder how such a tiny speck can cause so much pain. There is a drug available (Toradol I think it is spelled) that worked for me to alleviate the worst of the pain. My doctor just said to drink as much water as I could all day long and in each case, the stone eventually passed. The last time they had me peeing into a fine sieve to know when the stone passed.
My problem stems from not staying hydrated enough when riding in the desert summer heat, so now, especially in the summer, I will drink a 100 oz camelback dry in a 2-3 hour ride.

I'd think the bare frames between the mojo and the tranny aren't to much different–the main difference being the weight of the pivot hardware and the RP23 rear shock.

My Mojo weighs in at 26.25 lbs–not bad for a bike with that travel.
Really an extremely well handling bike, especially in technical, tight trails. Pretty good on downhills, not quite the downhill beast the Intense Uzzi was. Bet the Tranny will be a lot of fun.

I've had my Ibis Mojo for 18 months and like it better than any of my former bikes (3 Spesh, 1 Intense Uzzi and 1 Outland VPP). I upgraded the pivots, etc to the Mojo SL versions and added the Lopes Link. Really a excellent bike maker.

Just curious, but what does the Tranny weigh as you have it equipped?

Those look like Cholla cactus—they are all over the place here in the desert SW part of the states. I have gotten a single piece stuck to my leg a couple of times and learned to carry a multi-tool in my camelback as the pliers are about the only way to get them off if you don't have a stick handy. Really very unpleasant. Saw a guy who did an "over the bars" and land in one–fortunately missed his face, but he was covered about like that guy from neck to knees. We had some anti-bike a$$ burying the small cactus "arms" like in the picture, just under the loose sand/soil on places in the trail. Slime or Stan's not enough to stop the leak from about 20+ holes simultaneously.

For whatever it''s worth, people here in the states don't like to go to Detroit if they don't have to and a lot of people there are looking to leave. The downturn of the auto industry has really had a major negative impact on the city. The biking in the area might be pretty sketchy if they have had much snow.

I had a laproscopic bi-lateral hernia operation several years ago, so only had 3 small incisions and it was repaired with the mesh insertion. I took it easy for a few days but got back on the mountain bike after 8 days–a little sore, but no problem. The surgeon said I wouldn't hurt it and if the pain was tolerable to start riding when I wanted. Didn't feel like it for the first 4-5 days, but after that there really wasn't any pain except if I twisted around a bit too far.

Happy Birthday oldgit!!!! You have many miles ahead. I started mountain biking at 50 and still going strong at 67 (3-4 days a week)—of course if I stop I may not be able to start again. Seriously though, the only differences I can see are: 1. I have a lot better understanding what really isn't rideable and the sense to follow that instinct, and 2. Stamina and recovery suffers a bit with each passing year.

Couple years ago came up on a group of riders and a girl, not wearing a helmet, had taken a fall sideways while making a tight turn. She struck her head on a pointed piece of rock and it embedded in her head about 1/2 inch or so. If she had been wearing a helmet, probably nothing more than a headache. They were carting her off in a stretcher with about 4 inches of bloody bandage wrapped around her head. Got my attention.

I quit drinking completely 3 weeks ago. Just found that over the years my tolerance had increased and subsequently my intake increased as well. It was a little hard for a few days, but now really not an issue. I find I sleep better and already weight starting to fall off—not to mention more cash in my pocket. Due to snow and mud, I have really only gotten one proper ride in since I stopped and that was this past weekend—- it was hard to tell if there was any difference as I was mostly focused on staying upright while sliding/slipping in mud, snow and ice. Will be interesting to see if the absence of drinking adds to stamina.

I switched from Outlook to Mozilla Thunderbird and so far works great. Not as elaborate, but it does the job.

Only about 150 miles of trail riding (should call that mud bog riding) as it has been unusually wet (snow and rain both) here in the Southwestern US.
I have spent about as much time cleaning the bike as riding so far

A guy I work for is on his third mountain bike in 10 years (2 Specialized and 1 Rocky Mountain) and one cross bike (Gunnar) and between the bikes he has ridden probably not more than 6 times. I keep buying them from him at about 40% of what he paid and giving them to my two stepsons.

I'm 67 and didn't start mountain biking until I was 50, but still ride about 2000 miles a year, all mountain/trail riding—plan to keep right on going, albeit a little more carefully with each passing year (a couple broken bones and the occasional stich here and there teaches one that).

You should be good for either Fruita or Moab in October. Always a chance of rain I guess, but generally here in the Southwestern US, September and October are two of the best months weatherwise—the heat of summer has broken and the later fall/winter rains/snows are still a ways off. The earlier in the month you can do it the better the odds of good weather, but in reality, if I was to place a bet, I wouldn't hesitate—-more often than not blue skies, moderate temperatures and little wind.
I'm in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the first half of October is when they schedule the International Hot Air Balloon Festival because of the best odds for good weather.

Really don't like getting into political exchanges, but from the US, I must comment that while Sarah Palin will probably never be president, more and more people here are coming to believe she would be a whole lot better than what we are stuck with at the moment.

Had German Shepherds for almost 20 years and also a Border Collie. After my last shepherd had to be put down (injured spinal cord), we got 2 Labradoodles (cross between lab and standard poodles) and I will have nothing else going forward. Great disposition (from Lab side), very smart (from both sides) AND they don't shed.

I went from a "home-use" shrub trimmer to a professional one made by Stihl and the difference was noticeable. The professional model was noticeable better on vibration—also better balanced. Don't know if they sell Stihl in the UK or not

Hey, it's even snowing today (lots) here in the SW desert in the US–darn that global warming!!

jobbyheid is right in that a little common sense, politeness and being nice pretty much makes it work like it should. In my local trails, there are bikers, horses, walkers/runners—I have found there are rude, inconsiderate members of each group, but here runners seem to be the most difficult. I have had horses and some really get spooked by bicycles so I just pull off and let them pass and/or try not to surprise them coming up from behind at full tilt.

Another peripheral issue is that a more experienced rider, uphill or down, knows when there is room to pass–whereas an inexperienced rider often thinks it's too close when actually bikes could pass 3 abreast.

I am assuming that normal trail etiquette there in the UK is about the same as here in the US—-one gives way to uphill riders unless there is room to pass without doing so. I often see uphill riders pull over and let the downhill rider go–they probably welcome the breather. It is frustrating to be on a long, steep climb and an oncoming downhill rider just stays in the middle of the trail expecting you to stop. Just as frustrating is someone pulling over to let you pass and, instead of pulling to the right side of the trail, they pull off to the left, directly across your path—saw a guy get broadsided doing that.