I started this thread out of curiosity with no desire to ease up at all. My old body has a young boy inside and I bet that's true for many others. But the comments here have surprised me with their tone. Its almost as if there is a body of maturity and wisdom out there. Who would of expected that from older men?
I perceive some concepts within these comments.
Young men ("YM") have Young Male Immortality Delusion v. Old men ("OM") have mortality awareness.
YM are fitter, stronger, quicker, better awareness of the situation, more flexibility and more skill. (The most skilled still lose a step to age) v. OM have less of all of it.
Ergo, YM are more likely to complete a difficult move, or react to an unexpected problem v. OM are less.
Ergo, YM are less likely to fall/crash v. OM are more likely.
YM are less likely to get hurt if they do v. OM are more likely.
YM are less likely to get hurt badly if they get hurt at all v. OM are more likely
YM heal more quickly and more completely v. OM do not
YM have more time to recover and return to MTB and other activities v. OM have little to no time to spare
YM are less likely to die v. OM, . . . well, you know.
Added up it almost sounds like my wife could be right and I should be more prudent.
Maybe next year . . . after I learn how to bunny hop and jump.