I've been riding mountain bikes since the mid 90's and have rode BMX since the late 80's. When I first started mountain biking I didn't see any women maybe the odd one doing XC but I was more into DJ since I came from a BMX background. Me and my sister really got in to MTB in 2002 and haven't stopped. I've had numerous broken bones, broke my jaw 3 times and some other injuries have left me with permanent damage but I still come back for more...because I don't find anything else as fun as riding my bike and I certainly don't mind getting dirty:) I'm also a bike mechanic and have been for almost 15 years and I still get dudes who ask can I speak to the GUY who fixes the bikes lol! I'm pretty stoked about the number of women I see riding now and hitting the jumps and am all for promoting mountain biking to more women!

I've only been out twice this year and didn't get out much last year either:/

I'm a short ass and tried a 29r a few years ago and felt like I was sitting in the bike (14" frame) rather than on it. So I won't be jumping on one anytime soon! I guess if you are tall it might be a good thing. I find even a 26" bike big for me for DH, probably why I ride DH on a 24" hardtail. I can't see it catching on for DH. Can you imagine Danny Hart whipping a 29r lol!